In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring the legendary Texas Ranger, John Coffee Hays.
Hays was born in Tennessee in 1817, but would find his true purpose after finding his way to the vast Texas frontier. He was appointed captain of a company of Texas Rangers at just 23 and quickly made a name for himself by turning his Rangers from a ragtag group of wanderers to a highly efficient fighting force. Hays’ Ranger company members were renowned in the West for their proficiency in horseback riding and marksmanship, especially with their Colt Paterson five-shot revolver, which shaped the iconic portrayal of the Texas Rangers we recognize today.
They were well known for protecting settlers from Comanche and other Native American raids, as well as their role in the Mexican-American War. Hays himself was a fearless leader who led his company into numerous battles, including the Battle of Bandera Pass and the Battle of Salado Creek.
Hays' legacy extends beyond his combat skills, however. He was also a great surveyor and played a key role in mapping and developing the early infrastructure of Texas. His contributions to westward expansion, his innovative strategies, and the discipline he instilled in the Texas Rangers ultimately led to a more stable and secure environment for settlers, paving the way for the development of Texas and the Southwest.
John Coffee Hays remains an iconic figure. A symbol of the rugged individualism and pioneering spirit that defined the American West, his contributions have cemented his place as a true American hero.
